Observations focused on the problems of an underdeveloped country, Venezuela, with some serendipity about the world (orchids, techs, science, investments, politics) at large. A famous Venezuelan, Juan Pablo Perez Alfonzo, referred to oil as the devil's excrement. For countries, easy wealth appears indeed to be the sure path to failure. Venezuela might be a clear example of that.

Just imagine Fidel and Raul sitting around a coffee table this evening. Today. Now. This very moment. Their ENTIRE revolution is approaching a cliff on account of some silly ballot boxes in Venezuela. 53 years! Fidel says to Raul, “Elections? In Venezuela? What the hell were they thinking?”

No one is sure, but looks like Capriles ahead and Chavistas trying to keep polling stations open until they catch up. Except, of course, in places like New Orleans where planes of people have been left with votes in their hearts because they were late because of storms. Election should be over yet they are waiting for bus loads of Chavistas to show up. We r right where many of us thought, Capriles ahead but fraud being the X factor!

After following Chavez from afar for years, I know as well as the Venezualan Citizens, that he would stoop extremely low to try and maintain power. My fingers are crossed for the fine people of Venezuela.

It’s 10pm Caracas time, the CNE ediles are coming to the podium and they will announcxe that CApriels lost by approx 1 million votes, 5-6% or so. Chavez still has cancer, and if/when it kills him new elections must be held. Incredible. Tragic.

The robolution continues. Don’t matter if the cancer kills him eventually. Even dead, the Bolivarian cancer will live on for years and years. Now comes the ‘profundizacion’ de la Revolucion Bolivariana. Look forward to a major devaluation and a sovereign default. But for now, triumphalist reaffirmation of patriotism and Bolivarian values, historic, proud, Chavez forever. Once again, the democratic opposition goes down in flames…united.